Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy for pets & stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT)

After an MRI helps determine a tumor’s location and size, your pet’s veterinary team may recommend radiation therapy. This option is often considered when surgery isn’t possible, or after surgery, to help reduce the chance of the tumor recurring.

One common approach is stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT), which is often used for tumors in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. SRT is designed to target the tumor precisely while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. It’s been used in human medicine for many years, and recent studies support its effectiveness in animals, often matching or surpassing other radiation therapy methods.

What to expect with SRT treatment for pets

Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) is a non-surgical treatment. It’s described as painless and doesn’t require an overnight hospital stay. Most pets receive SRT over 3–5 consecutive days.

For each session, your pet is anesthetized for comfort and safety, and most pets tolerate anesthesia well.

Before treatment begins, your veterinary team will need a CT scan, even if an MRI has already been performed. The CT scan helps them plan treatment with precision. Radiation is delivered using a machine called a linear accelerator, and the setup, based on information from both the CT scan and MRI, takes a few days to ensure everything is safe and accurate.

Side effects of SRT

Most pets receiving SRT have minimal-to-no visible side effects, such as skin irritation or hair loss. Some pets feel drowsy or tired for a week or two after treatment, but this usually resolves itself on its own.

In rare cases, some pets develop a treatment-related inflammatory reaction a few months after SRT. This is generally managed with medication.

Follow-up care after radiation Therapy

After treatment, follow-up appointments with the Remedy Neurology team help track your pet’s progress. These visits include medication reviews and comprehensive neurological examinations. Follow-ups typically start one month after treatment, then gradually space out as your pet’s condition stabilizes.

As always, check in with the Neurology team if you have any concerns about how your pet is doing.

MRI scans are the most effective way to evaluate the tumor’s response to SRT, and your veterinarian may recommend periodic MRIs. Additional scans may also be recommended if new issues arise.

Understanding Prognosis After SRT

Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) often improves a pet’s quality of life, but no medical treatment offers 100% certainty. With brain tumors, the goal is to shrink the tumor and slow its growth. Regrowth isn’t unusual at some point, often more than a year after treatment.

A small percentage of pets, about 5%, experience complications where radiation affects healthy parts of the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. Fortunately, this is relatively rare.

Monitor your pet closely for symptoms and share any concerns with your veterinarian. Symptoms may look similar to the ones that led you to seek neurological care, or they may be new. Early communication helps your pet’s veterinary team respond quickly if anything changes.

Isabella, 3 years post-treatment

Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT) FAQs

  • SRT is a type of radiation therapy often used for tumors in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It’s designed to precisely target the tumor while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.

  • No. SRT is a non-surgical procedure.

  • Most pets receive SRT over 3–5 consecutive days.

  • SRT doesn’t require an overnight hospital stay.

  • Yes. For each session, your pet is anesthetized for comfort and safety. Most pets tolerate this process well.

  • A CT scan is necessary before starting SRT, even if an MRI has already been performed, because it helps your pet’s veterinary team plan treatment with precision.

  • Follow-up appointments with the neurology team include medication reviews and comprehensive neurological exams. Visits typically start one month after treatment and are gradually spaced out as your pet’s condition stabilizes. MRI scans are the most effective way to evaluate the tumor’s response, and your veterinarian may recommend periodic MRIs or additional scans if new issues arise.

  • For brain tumors, the goal is to shrink the tumor and slow its growth. Regrowth isn’t unusual at some point, often more than a year after treatment.

  • A small percentage of pets, about 5%, experience complications where radiation affects healthy parts of the brain, spinal cord, or nerves.